Prague - Albanian Prime Minister Sali Berisha submitted Tuesday his country's application for membership in the European Union, an initial step on Balkan state's long journey to the 27-member bloc. Berisha handed over the application to Czech Prime Minister Mirek Topolanek, whose country chairs the EU until June 30.

The Czech Republic's EU presidency is to pass Albania's membership request to the council of the EU member states for consideration.

Tirana - Albanian Prime Minister Sali Berisha fired the nation's culture minister late Wednesday after a local television channel showed him sexually harassing a woman seeking a job in his office.

The largest private TV in Albania, the Top Channel, previously showed Culture, Youth, Tourism and Sports Minister Ylli Pango, 56, asking sexual favours from the woman seeking work.

Berisha's cabinet said in a statement that Pango was immediately fired over "ethically unacceptable acts."

Tirana - Albanian Prime Minister Sali Berisha threatened to kill an opposition member of parliament during a debate over ministerial appointments, local media reported Wednesday.

Tirana - Albanian Prime Minister Sali Berisha threatened to kill an opposition member of parliament during a debate over ministerial appointments, local media reported Wednesday.

Berisha decided to ditch his coalition partner, the Christian Democratic Party, in favour of the Republican Party of Albania (PRSH) in his fourth cabinet reshuffle since his Democratic Party won the elections in 2005.

Berisha tangled with Taulant Balla during a late-night session on Tuesday when the premier disclosed his plan to appoint PRSH leader Sabri Godo's daughter, Anila, as health minister.

The move was widely seen as a reward to Godo for entering into a partnership with Berisha's party.